Most SUV drivers don't actually need an off-road vehicle; but there are a few that do need something like a Toyota 4Runner, at least in one of its simpler or more rugged trims.
The Nissan Xterra might be the most direct rival; it's a five-seater only, but it's essentially a Frontier pickup with a wagon body, so it has real off-road strength.
Unfortunately, the Xterra isn't being renewed for 2016—but it might be back in the future.
The Jeep Wrangler still has the off-road chops, but it's on a different level in terms of refinement and features.
The Ford Explorer has a similar shape to the 4Runner, but it's gone full crossover, sharing running gear with the Taurus sedan.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a formidable all-terrain vehicle, especially with its new EcoDiesel engine, but it gets quite expensive quite easily—and who wants to ruin a really nice $50,000 SUV? The 4Runner has a corporate rival: its cousin, the Lexus GX 460, has the same underpinnings, but more luxury features and a V-8 engine.
The GX doesn't cost much more than the 4Runner Trail, but because of its complicated power-folding third-row seat and side-opening hatch, we'd rather have the Toyota.
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 2016 Toyota 4RunnerBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Jeep Grand CherokeeBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Jeep WranglerBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Nissan XterraBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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With the 2016 Toyota 4Runner, you'll trade off a little refinement and on the road finesse for true SUV capability, off-road prowess, and unparalleled style. |
The 2016 Ford Explorer doesn't need to rely on hardcore off-road tools--not with its firm road manners, plush interiors, and choice of turbocharged power. |
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a lot more than first appearances might suggest: a true luxury vehicle, a capable off-roader, and a fuel-efficient diesel highway hauler—potentially all in the same build. |
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler build faithfully on the reputation and the look of the past, with just enough contemporary features and modern amenities. |
The 2015 Nissan Xterra can go just about anywhere, and it won't clutter your decision with tons of options. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $34,010 | $31,050 | $29,995 | $23,895 | $23,660 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 17 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| N/A | Standard SUV 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | N/A | N/A |
| Style Name | ||||
| RWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS) | FWD 4-Door Base | RWD 4-Door 75th Anniversary | 4WD 2-Door Willys Wheeler | 2WD 4-Door Automatic X |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2016 Ford Explorer | 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2016 Jeep Wrangler | 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2015 Nissan Xterra | |
